bclexus

FYI on complaints about Michelin tires on Corvettes that have cracked. This may apply to you depending on which Michelin tires you may have.

A Michelin rep has now addressed the cracked tire complaints, advising Corvette owners to not drive or move their cars in cold weather if they’d like to prevent cracks from appearing in their tires.

“This winter has been extremely harsh in much of the country and some recently shipped Corvette tires may exhibit cracking. In general, summer tires should never be driven on or moved in temperatures under 20°F because they may crack. Tires should be carefully inspected at the dealership before taking delivery of a vehicle. Never use a tire with freeze cracks, breaks, or damage to the sidewall or tread. For those residing in colder climates, Corvette owners should have a plan for vehicle storage during cold winter months. If your garage drops below 20°F regularly, consider removing tires and storing them inside. If you live in colder climates and want to drive your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F we strongly recommend investing in a set of winter or all-season tires.”

Reference






Google Search for: Michelin Issues Statement about Cracked Tires

kerplunk38

Common sense prevails. I would expect this to happen to any summer tire driven in cold conditions.

Shinedown

I don't think this is acceptable. I realize you can't drive summer tires in winter because you won't have traction but they shouldn't crack. I've never seen this before.

bclexus

I cannot believe how Michelin is handling this with their comments...such as:

"For those residing in colder climates, Corvette owners should have a plan for vehicle storage during cold winter months. If your garage drops below 20°F regularly, consider removing tires and storing them inside. If you live in colder climates and want to drive your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F we strongly recommend investing in a set of winter or all-season tires.”

Wow!!!

GregCanada

The reason is the durometer of the rubber. I guess it can't handle the extreme temps without failing. It does not seem completely unreasonable to me. it is likely design for minimum 45 F, and peoples are cracking at 20F.
Just like you don't drive winter tires in 100 F + heat - they will shred / melt away.

sick21

My GS has factory summer tires on it. I need new tires........

ItzFilyO

So all season tires are fine in both hot and cold right? Except in snow.

sick21

That's my understanding. And the issue with where I live. It's the desert. But I live on the CO border so winters can be harsh.

praetor

I think they have to say that for liability reasons. They don't want to be held liable if say a tire pops from the cracks and someone gets hurt or dies. Remember when FORD had the tire issues?

I know a few people with Z rated fancy sport tires in Chicago where we hit negative temps every winter and their tires don't crack just because it goes below 20F.